Have you changed your own tires?

[KCinSB]

It’s always a hassle and I know that. So far I’ve been doing my steel rim spoked wheels, and know to expect some grief. That said, can it be done on an Alloy rim using tie spoons without damaging the wheel? This is a rider, not a show bike, but still want to do the least amount of collateral damage!   

[Laitch]

That said, can it be done on an Alloy rim using tie spoons without damaging the wheel?

I used Best Rest's heavy duty zip-tie method when I mounted TKC's on my Brick's alloy rims for navigating the pothole and gravel fields called Class 3 roads in my locale. Clean the rim thoroughly, use plenty of dishwashing liquid—or other proprietary concoctions—for lubricant. There should be no problem if you can follow the core instructions without extemporizing.

[Scott_]

I have a No-Mar manual rig that I use, it has nylon tipped tools. That being said, I have from time to time had to use my spoon levers to assist with the task. As laitch mentioned, do not scrimp on lubrication.
I'm sure I've probably scratched the edges of my rims when working with the levers, but like you, mine are riders, not garage queens.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

I use traditional tire levers with lots of soapy water in a spray bottle. 

I use a couple pairs of "motorcycle rim protectors" to keep the levers from tearing up the rims.  You can get them on eBAy for $7-8 bucks a pair.

I also invested in a bead breaker to make getting the old tires off a little less of a hassle.

[frankenduck]

I've done it with spoons and rim protectors.

To set the bead I went to a local gas station that lets customers use a line from their compressor.  (Not one of these crappy 25 cent compressors.)

[know_fear]

Another tip. Put the tire out in the sun to get it hot and flexible.

[Martin]

A mate  of mine owned a tyre store and recommended using radiator coolant as a tyre lubricant. It is alloy compatible where as some soaps aren't and can cause corrosion.
Regards Martin.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

I use one of those cheap crap ratchet straps from Harbor Freight to squeeze the tire beads down on the rim when I inflate it to set the beads.  I wrap it around the circumference of the tire and tighten it down. 

[milq]

Bought a No-Mar changer a few years back and it has paid for itself. That said, I've also tried the zip-tie method with success and if I had learned about it earlier I wouldn't have purchased the No-Mar.

[KCinSB]

Checked with 3 shops today, Price per wheel, brought to their shop with my tires purchased on line: low $40 / hi $45, each.
Wow.

[milq]

Checked with 3 shops today, Price per wheel, brought to their shop with my tires purchased on line: low $40 / hi $45, each.
Wow.

That's cheap here. If I buy the tire from my local Honda/Yamaha/Kawi shop, they still want to charge $60 per wheel if I carry in the wheel. Obviously they just don't want to change tires.

[stokester]

I have a No-Mar tire changer mounted to the floor in my shop which has paid for itself over the years. The biggest advantage is not necessarily price but the ability to buy and change the tires on my schedule, not when a local shop can get me in.  For balancing the Marc Parnes kit works great on my bikes.
Check with your riding group, chances are there is someone who has a changer or knows someone who does that will let you use it.  I've made it known to the local club that mine is available and they can ship tires to my home.

[KCinSB]

Success in breaking the bead on both, used a very large C-clamp to help, most won’t have one that large. Now,…. Waiting for the MotoZipps I ordered to arrive. Looks to be a bruiser, but still must be done!

[KCinSB]

I used Best Rest's heavy duty zip-tie method when I mounted TKC's on my Brick's alloy rims for navigating the pothole and gravel fields called Class 3 roads in my locale. Clean the rim thoroughly, use plenty of dishwashing liquid—or other proprietary concoctions—for lubricant. There should be no problem if you can follow the core instructions without extemporizing.

Good video to understand the advantage of the Zip-ties. The ones shown would be the best. I ordered HD 24” ties from Prime , got’em today! Jumped on the job, and have both off. It’s still a bear, but likely the 74 YO body is a big part of that! Anyhow, it is possible, and the Zips are the best advice IMHO.   🛠

[The Mighty Gryphon]

Are those zip ties reusable?  They look like you can release them with a small screwdriver.

[beemuker]

Are those zip ties reusable?  They look like you can release them with a small screwdriver.

according to the video, yes.

[Laitch]

I've use one set of those zips for six seasons and counting.

[KCinSB]

Are those zip ties reusable?  They look like you can release them with a small screwdriver.

Yes. The actual MotoZipp are larger than the ones I used, but these did release with the small screw driver also. Slightly distorted, but reusable.